The search to find the next Miss Universe Australia is underway, with National finalists preparing to touch down in Melbourne later this month ahead of the national finals held at the Sofitel on Collins June 28.
We are chatting with Tahan Lew Fatt, from Vic who will be competing for the 2018 title of Miss Universe Australia.
So why don’t you tell our readers a little about yourself?
My name is Tahan, and I come from a big multicultural family. My background or genetic makeup is made up of Aboriginal, Chinese, Malay and English. I am the eldest of 7 I have three younger brothers and three younger sisters. I grew up in Darwin in the Northern Territory so spent a lot of my time outdoors I call my self a tomboy at heart and girly girly sometimes. I have a university degree I did a Bachelor of Business Majoring in Marketing and currently work part-time for the government and do part-time modelling.
So you’ve just returned from the Miss Universe Finalists trip to the Amazing Allia Hotels in Bali… How was the experience?
We stayed in 3 different Alila resorts in Bali and each one so different and amazing! So privileged and lucky to experience all of them Ubud was quiet and scenery but warning beware of the cheeky monkeys (they steal your food) Seminyak was in the heart of all the attraction, and Uluwatu was serenity and tranquillity.
We know there was an amazing program of things for you all, what was your highlight?
There were definitely a few. First and foremost as corny and cliche as it may sound but for me personally was meeting all the girls. I really made some good friends on the trip, and that was my biggest highlight. I know a lot of us really liked the powerful impressions workshop it helps you look at yourself and work on your strengths, and you can take that into not only the pageant but your everyday jobs.
So now you’re home and having undergone the best prep we can think of you know the sun, surf and Bali …. it’s not long till the national finals in Melb… how are you feeling in the lead-up and what sort of preparation are you doing, before finals week commences?
Surprisingly I am super chill and confident within myself at this point, so I am not stressing about anything. I am embracing everything and just taking it all in because I wasn’t expecting to make it this far, so anything after this point is a bonus! In terms of prep, I am just maintaining a healthy diet, plenty of rest and exercise. Keeping up to date with current events and forming my opinion on things. I believe whatever will be will be, and I am just going to put my best self forward that’s all you can do – if you can’t win it being yourself, then it ’s not meant to be, no point stressing.
With so many of you all bringing an individual flair to the competition, what do you think will set you apart from the other contestants?
I feel like I represent a multicultural, diverse Australia being Aboriginal, Malaysian, Chinese, English. I don’t think we have had a delegate that embodies this at all. I think it’s time we sent a multicultural Australian to the international competition and if not me someone who represents a diverse Australia – I think it’s time to show the world just how diverse Australia is.
Speaking of being unique we all have different motivations, what is something that motivates you daily or you would say is your passion?
I love travelling, and I have a real passion for seeing the world. I love exploring and seeing how the rest of the world live. In order to do this, I am continually keeping busy with work, and it’s even better when work trips include international travel. Last year I went on ten international trips, and 5 of those trips were for work. So that is a real motivator to keep healthy and fit to be able to keep doing that. I am continually setting small goals and always working towards them to tick off my bucket lists.
What is something people might find interesting about yourself?
Well, my background/ Nationality is always something that gets people talking! But something interesting … would be I have a younger sister that is the same age as me for two months, we obviously aren’t twins, but we do have the same parents! It’s was fun explaining that to people growing up and when we were at school together, kids used to get so confused. We loved it, and we have a little saying sisters by chance friends by choice.
Where is your favourite place in the world to wind down and relax?
That’s easy! Back home in Darwin I love going to Home to wind down and relax. It’s the best-kept secret of Australia, the warm weather and the best sunsets ever!! I have travelled a bit, and nothing beats it!
The Miss Universe program has a long and proud history and focuses on helping women become the best versions of themselves, how do you think your experience so far will help move you forward in life?
Well, I think the program can preach it, but it’s definitely up to you to find it within yourself to have self-love. And it is hard we are constantly comparing ourselves. But once you stop comparing your eyes open up to a whole new mindset. This program forces you to stop comparing yourself to the other girls and shifts the focus to yourself and makes you think about what makes you different. How your differences can set you apart from the other girls and embracing those differences. I am in a happy state of mind, and that helps with how confident you are in tackling life, and it’s obstacles.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
Well, I literally just got off the phone with my three-year-old niece. I was FaceTiming because they live interstate and she wouldn’t talk to me. So I did the adult thing of trying to bribe her to talk to me, and I had pretended I bought her a present and she ran straight to the phone and said show it to me. I grab the closest thing near me, and it was a lame toy. She looked disappointed and said no I don’t like that get me something else and walked away. I laughed so much attitude from a three-year-old!
Name five things you can’t live without?
Phone – I live away from my family so that’s how I stay connected (if people are things obviously my family would replace the phone) but for the purpose of this I will make it things
Duck – it’s my favourite food.
Music – it’s a form of comfort.
Sun – love being warm and somewhere tropical.
Water – for literal purposes.
How would your closest friend describe you?
Tan, exotic and a drama queen!
Would you rather be Rich or Famous
I would rather be rich over famous any day of the week.
